Parish Business Administrator

The parish business administrator works closely with the pastor of the parish and principal of the school to steward the gifts the Lord has given us for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, starting with our local area. Does so by overseeing the administration of the parish to ensure its congruency with the parish’s mission and the pastor’s stated intentions. Oversees the financial processes of the parish, manages parish property, and manages office and employment procedures of the parish in a manner that supports the work of the pastor and enables all parish ministries, including the school to function effectively. Assures a responsive administrative liaison between the ,pastor and all staff.

Employment in and by the Catholic Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, nor can it embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. It is required that this employee be a Catholic.

Representative Responsibilities
Note: The following responsibilities, 1 through 5, are essential functions.

1. Relationship with Pastor
a. Recognizes and respects the ultimate authority of the pastor who delegates and encourages independent decision-making and action when appropriate.
b. Reports directly to the Pastor on a regular basis regarding parish ministries, operations, and mission effectiveness.
c. Provides advice, feedback, and support to the pastor; acts as a resource on matters relating to parish operations.
d. Assists in maintaining strong memberships on councils and commissions.
e. Develops and evaluates goals for the parish in cooperation with the pastor and the finance and parish pastoral councils.
f. Carries out special projects and other assignments as requested by the pastor.

2. Management Functions
a. Supervises staff as outlined above. Assists them in developing annual performance goals, objectives, and action plans; assists them in understanding and following the pastor’s intentions in carrying out the mission of the parish.
b. Works with ministry department leaders (school principal, faith formation, liturgy music, etc.) to promote team leadership and develop an integrated parish calendar of events, activities, and services for the parish community.
c. Aims to create a positive and productive work environment by providing support, encouragement and recognition to parish employees and volunteers.
d. Develops a sound salary and benefits program for all personnel.
e. Ensures compliance with parish personnel policies and procedures and compliance with all federal and state employment laws as well as with Archdiocesan personnel policies, particularly Justice in Employment.
f. Develops and implements safety and security policies.
g. Conducts annual performance evaluations with supervised staff and oversees the review process for parish employees. Determines staff compensation in consultation with pastor.
h. Recruits, interviews, and hires personnel under the direction of the pastor; may discipline and/or terminate any staff members under the direction of the pastor and in consultation with other resources. Acts as a resource to all staff in area of human resources, including personnel planning, recruitment, hiring, discipline, and termination. Maintains personnel files for all employees.
i. Oversees and participates in all long-range planning for the parish.

3. Finance Functions
a. Assists the pastor in overseeing all financial aspects of the parish, including financial planning, investment strategies, allocations to school, Penny Wise, and Cemetery in accounting, banking relationships, budgeting, insurance and risk management, and stewardship.
b. Oversees the annual budgeting process for the parish and works with the pastor and finance and parish pastoral councils to ensure compliance with the approved budget and its conformity with the mission of the parish.
c. Oversees the Archdiocesan insurance program for the parish.
d. Oversees all data collection, computer systems, and software programs currently in place and makes improvements when necessary or appropriate.
e. Implements a parish-wide purchasing program that encourages sound purchasing practices and supports adherence to approved budgets.

f. Ensures compliance with Archdiocesan policies, procedures, and requirements related to finances.

4. Parish and Community Functions
a. Facilitates staff meetings; attends finance council and parish pastoral council meetings and other commission or committee meetings as needed or requested by the pastor. Receives agendas of council and commission or committee meetings prior to meetings.
b. Actively participates in parish and staff activities as appropriate and in professional enrichment and continuing education programs.
c. Promotes and maintains a respectful and effective working relationship with Archdiocesan officials and staff in order to provide a meaningful liaison with the Archdiocesan Church and its initiatives.
d. Represents parish in local and civic forums as needed or appropriate to ensure that parish interests are considered in municipal decision-making.

5. Facilities/Cemetery
a. Oversees maintenance of physical plant and grounds, including parish cemetery, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
b. Works with maintenance and facility personnel and cemetery committee to ensure effective operation and maintenance of parish cemetery.
c. Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all parish properties as well as the long range planning for these properties, including the Grace Family Center, School, Pace Center, Church, cemetery, and property around the cemetery.

*To be present where needed, ready to work as needed to meet responsibilities. Includes recognizing when situations require more effort, satisfying responsibilities in a timely manner, providing an example of punctuality and attendance, and generally ensuring all is ready and taken care of.

*Organize, prepare and maintain files and information. Gather information from fax, email and other sources, ensure all information has been received, follow up as necessary, organize reports and make them available for convenient reference, maintain for the designated time, discard at designated time.

*Maintain and improve work knowledge and skills such as understanding requirements and work procedures, purpose of work completed, computer use and general building management.
*Meet all communication requirements including interpersonal skills with parish and school employees as well as visitors, guests, school families, and parishioners. Includes keeping superiors and appropriate others informed.
*Help create a productive environment where there is harmony, good morale, and cooperative teamwork. Monitor self-productivity and take corrective action as appropriate.
*Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality of all work data.

Other Responsibilities: includes other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and approved and/or assigned by the pastor.
The responsibilities listed above are representative of the job and are not inclusive. Those preceded by an asterisk (*) are essential job functions.

1. Demonstrate understanding and acceptance of Catholic doctrine.
2. BA or equivalent work experience, including budgeting and supervisory experience;
masters preferred.
3. Prior experience in parish administration preferred.
4. Understanding of Archdiocesan policies regarding personnel, financial controls, insurance requirements, and reporting is desired.
5. Experience working in a similar environment
6. Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal background check and an acceptable credit report.